Celebrating 30 Years of College Dreams

For three decades, Operation Jump Start (OJS) has been at the forefront of empowering low-income, high-potential, first-generation students in Long Beach. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access and succeed in higher education. From the moment students walk through our doors, OJS provides academic support, mentoring, and a network of opportunities that transform lives.

Operation Jump Start | 30th Anniversary

Our Journey

For three decades, Operation Jump Start (OJS) has been at the forefront of empowering low-income, high-potential, first-generation students in Long Beach.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access and succeed in higher education. From the moment students walk through our doors, OJS provides academic support, mentoring, and a network of opportunities that transform lives.

Our journey began humbly in 1994, founded by Diann and Walt Zenda, whose passion for education equity inspired the creation of a small mentoring program. Meeting in their living room with just nine mentor-student pairs, OJS was born out of a deep commitment to supporting students in the Long Beach community. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive program serving over 325 students annually from the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD).

Over the last 30 years, OJS has served over 8,000 Long Beach students

Today, we offer a wide range of services including academic tutoring, college guidance, socio-emotional counseling, scholarships, and, of course, mentoring — all driven by our belief that every student deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Impacting Generations, Saving Lives

OJS has a proven track record of success, especially in supporting students from underrepresented communities. Our impact is evident in the achievements of our scholars.

Our six-year bachelor’s degree attainment rate of 89% far surpasses the national average for low-income students.

These accomplishments aren’t just statistics — they are the stories of students who have overcome obstacles, embraced challenges, and succeeded in ways that have changed the trajectory of their lives and their families’ futures.

of OJS students graduate high school on time
0 %
enroll in college immediately after high school
0 %
go on to complete their college education or actively pursuing it
0 %

OJS Birthday Bash

As we celebrate 30 years of empowering Long Beach scholars, we invite you to join us for a special evening at the OJS Birthday Bash on January 16th, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the beautiful Museum of Latin American Art.

Your Support, Our Future

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for the community that has been by our side on this journey. OJS’s success would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of supporters like you. To continue this important work, we need your help. Your donations enable us to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and serve even more deserving students in Long Beach.

Share Your OJS Story!

Whether you’re a current or former mentor, student, board member, or someone who’s crossed paths with Operation Jump Start over the years, we want to hear from you! Your stories are the heart of our 30-year journey, and we’d love for you to share your memories, experiences, and reflections with us.